About the Project
HULAFE are looking for an Early Stage Researcher (ESR) with a special interest in fetal medicine (obstetrics), biology and genetics, in order to perform during 3 years clinical and basic research to investigate epigenetic markers of fetal growth restriction and abnormal brain neurodevelopment.
About HULAFE
The FUNDACION PARA LA INVESTIGACION DEL HOSPITAL UNIVERSITARIO LA FE DE LA COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA (HULAFE) is a Spanish non-profit organization that carries out the scientific and research policy of the "La Fe" Health Department. The research of excellence carried out at the HULAFE is patient-oriented and was accredited as a "Health Research Institute" by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation in 2009. The HULAFE offers scientific and technological services and has more than 10,000 m2 of clinical and research laboratories to undertake research activities based on state-of-the-art biomedical science, which aim to promote our six priority research areas: 1. Organ Transplants, Artificial Tissues and Implants; 2. Cancer; 3. Genetics, Genomics and Translational Research underlying disease mechanisms; 4. Experimental-Clinical Research in Neurology; 5. Clinical, Epidemiological and Pharmacological Research; 6. Technological Research in Biomedicine and Health. HULAFE is committed with the concrete implementation of the Charter & Code in their policies and practices aiming at the continuous improvement of the human resources and was awarded with ‘HR Excellence in Research’ as provider of stimulating and favorable work environment for potential ESRs.
Project description:
This project is aimed to detect markers of abnormal neurological development in maternal blood. We will evaluate umbilical and maternal blood samples belonging to growth-restricted and normal pregnancies already studied with Doppler ultrasound. In these pregnancies genetic sequencing techniques will be performed in order to evaluate expression of micro-RNA. Those micro-RNA selected will be validated by mean of PCR, finding specific microRNA combinations associated with fetal growth restriction and neurological damage. The expression of these specific micro-RNA (and other epigenetic markers) related with neurogenesis, will be studied evaluating the association with fetal cerebral Doppler. The performance of a neurocognitive follow-up will also determine the associations among Doppler ultrasound, microRNA and neurocognitive state in the short, medium and long run, elucidating the possibility of predicting postnatal neurological damage when the fetus is in utero.
You will be part of the iPLACENTA Innovative Training Network, a collaborative multi- disciplinary and intersectoral network, providing opportunity to collaborate and undertake secondments training with other groups within the network.
The project is funded in the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under the Marie Skłodwoska-Curie grant agreement No. 765274.
Successful candidates will receive full-time employment contract as per Horizon 2020 regulations with attractive salary.
Candidate profile:
• Experience and knowledge in Obstetrics, especially in fetal medicine, and fetal Doppler ultrasound.
• Knowledge in fetal ultrasound techniques: umbilical artery Doppler, fetal middle cerebral artery Doppler, uterine artery Doppler, fetal ductus venosus
• Although not an absolute requirement, the existence of a medical residence in obstetrics will be considered an important merit.
• Although not an absolute requirement, the existence of experience in biology, laboratory techniques and genetics will be considered an important merit.
• Able to communicate with scientists, engineers and clinicians of different disciplines;
• Have a motivated, flexible and positive work attitude;
• Proficiency in English language.
• Be flexible to travel throughout the Europe in order to exchange expertise between the partners of iPLACENTA consortia
Training/Roles to develop: This researcher will need to perform both: 1-clinical examinations (Doppler ultrasound) and 2-basic techniques of biology under the supervision of Prof. José Morales Roselló. Therefore, the essential requirements for this position will be important knowledge in fetal medicine (medical residency in obstetrics) plus some experience in laboratory techniques with a strong interest in learning genetics and biology. The candidate will have the possibility to defend a PhD thesis at the end of the project.
How to apply:
Deadline for application: 25 October 2018
position start date: 19 November 2018
Candidates will need to apply directly with HULAFE website at https://www.iislafe.es/en/job-offers/
In addition, candidates are required to fill out application to iPLACENTA network: www.iplacenta.eu/recruitment
Funding Notes
Salary: Competitive remuneration in accordance to Marie Curie ITN rules. See www.iplacenta.eu
Eligibility: A mobility rule applies. The candidate must not have resided and carried out his/her main activity (worked/studied etc.) for more than 12months in Spain within the last 3years. The candidate needs to be an ESR, in his/her first 4years of his/her research career. The 4 years are counted from the date a degree was obtained which formally entitles to embark on a doctorate in the country either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided.
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